Jageshwar Dham, Almora, Uttarakhand

Jageshwar Mahadev Temple or Jageshwar Dham or Jageshwar Mandir or Jageshwar Jyotirlinga is located at a distance of 35 km from Almora district of Uttarakhand. In Jageshwar Dham, Shiva is worshiped in Nageshwar form. This temple is located at an elevation of 1870 meters above sea level. There are 12 Jyotirlingas in India, the place of this Jageshwar is in the form of 8th Jyotirlinga. The temple is situated in a tranquil atmosphere between dense pine trees on the banks of Jta Ganga.

This place is best to spend some moments with family and friends. A grand fair is organized at this temple in the month of Savan and on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri. It is mentioned in the Manaskhand of Skanda Purana that a devotee must visit Jageshwar Dham once in their life.

124 temples of Jageshwar Mahadev Temple

According to the Department of Archaeological Survey of India, there is total 124 temples group in Jageshwar Mahadev Temple, of which 5 are main temples in which worship is performed every day. There are 108 such temples in which Shivalinga is established. Apart from this, many small temples are located outside the temple premises. Recently, another Shiva temple was found in the excavation near this temple.

Jageshwar Temple Darshan Timings

The gate of the temple open at 4.30 a.m. every day and are closed at 7.30 in the evening. The temple is worshiped 3 times a day, which is the daily work of the pundits here. Shravani Mela is organized at this place from 15th July to 15th August. At this time people do havan and pooja here.

Jageshwar Mahadev Temple History

There is very little mention of this temple in the Puranas too, but it is still believed that Shivalinga worship has been started from this place. The forest above this temple is known as Daruka Forest. In this forest, the seven sage and their wives used to do penance. Lord Shiva was also doing penance in this forest for many years. One day the wives of Saptrishi (Seven Sages) went to the forest to collect wood for Havan. They saw Lord Shiva while doing penance there. They were not aware that he is Lord Shiva and they tried to disrupt the penance of Lord Shiva.

The wives of the rishis started singing and dancing at that place. They continued to dance until the evening but God could not disrupt Shiva’s penance. And finally, they all got tired and slept in that place. When the wives did not return home, the sage went out of their search and reached that place. Seeing the surroundings, the sages feel that something wrong happens with their wives and the sages cursed Shiva that their Linga (Gender) degenerate. Lord Shiva opened his eyes and he introduced himself to the sages. Knowing this, the sage got amazed.

The earth could not raise the burden of Shiva’s penis and then by the order of Lord Shiva Lord Vishnu made 12 pieces of Linga with his Sudarshan Chakra. These pieces are worshiped today as 12 Jyotirlingas. In which Jageshwar Jyotirlinga is worshiped in 8th form. Later when Pandavas came to this place, they started the construction of the temple here. In the 7th-8th Century, the Chand kings renovated this temple. When Adi Shankaracharya came to this forest with his disciples he brings a Pandit from south India and handed over the work of the temple.

Places to visit near Jageshwar Temple

Apart from 125 temples located in the temple premises in Jageshwar Dham, many other temples are also located in 1o km area of the temple. Vriddha Jageshwar Temple which is located 2.7 km this temple. Jhanker Saim Mahadev Temple is located after going 3 km behind from Jageshwar temple. The temple of Chitai Golu Devta is located on the way to Haldwani. Dandeshwar Temple of Lord Shiva is located 2 km away from Jageshwar Temple. Lord Shiva was punished at this place.

Pooja in Jageshwar Dham

There are many types of pujas performed by Pandits in Jageshwar Mahadev temple by which the human blemish is redressed. Rudra Abhishek Pooja which is the biggest worship of Baba Jageshwar. Mahamritiyunjay Aanusthan and those who have Kaal Sharp Dosh can also come and worship at this place. Varthik Pooja – In this worship, the Shivling of soil, rice, ghee, Cow dung, and butter are made. On the day of Shivratri, women who do not have children, they hold Deep in their hand and stand whole night.

The Hawan Kund Story of Jageshwar Mahadev Mandir

When Love and Kush fight with their own father Rama by mistake. But when Love and Kush came to know, they unknowingly made a big mistake. Then on this Havan Kund of the temple, Love and Kush came to repent of their mistake and did the Havan (Offering prayers to God in front of the fire) and worship here. Today this Havan Kund is known as Kamal Kund because Lotus flowers bloom here in the month of Savan (Monsoon).

Jageshwar Mahadev Temple Architecture

It is an ancient temple that was constructed by the Pandavas. At that time the temple was constructed by pine wood which was called the Temple of Kast in the local language. When the condition of the temples became crispy, then the Chand kings rebuilt these temples.

The temple has been constructed with large stones. The statues of the deities are decorated on the doors of the temples. Copper and cedar wood have also been used in the construction of the temple.

Facts about Jageshwar Jyotirling

Shivaling in this place is considered as the first Shivling of this universe and from here the worship of Shivalinga has started.

There is a pine tree in the temple complex, it is said by the Department of Archeology that the age of this tree is 1000 years.

It is believed that in the Jageshwar Dham, the depth of Shivling is up to 8 feet and beneath it is a miraculous power hidden. To awaken this power, the pandits chant the Mritunjay mantra here.

Worshiping this temple fulfills all desires.

Activities in Jageshwar Mandir

Bird Watching: Many Himalayan species found in this area which is best for the bird lover.

Photography: Ideal location for capturing moments in the camera.

Hiking: Visit nearby temples and other places of interest.

How to reach Jageshwar Mahadev Temple

By air

The devotees cannot reach directly to the Jageshwar Dham by air. The nearest airport from Jageshwar Dham is Pantnagar airport. Bus and cab service is available from Pantnagar airport. The distance between Jageshwar Temple to Pantnagar is 150 km. Daily flights are available from Delhi to Pantnagar.

By Train

The nearest railway station from Jageshwar Mandir is Kathgodam Railway station which is 125 km away. After reaching the station traveler can hire a taxi from railway station to Jageshwar.

By Road

If the travelers are traveling from Delhi they can take the bus from ISBT to Haldwani or Almora. After that, they can hire a taxi to Jageshwar Mandir. Bus service is also available from Almora to Jageshwar Dham. If the travelers are traveling from Dehradun they can take the bus from ISBT to Almora and after that hire a taxi to Jageshwar Dham.